Florida · Hurricane season
Hurricane season and your medications in Florida
Storms shut pharmacies, cut power and send people to shelters or relatives' homes. A little planning before June keeps your medicines from becoming one more emergency.
Florida's early-refill law
Florida law requires health insurers and HMOs to waive time restrictions on prescription refills, including "refill too soon" edits, for people in a county that is under a National Weather Service hurricane warning, covered by a state of emergency declared by the Governor, or that has activated its emergency operations center. They must pay for at least a 30-day supply. It applies to refills requested within 30 days of those conditions, and the Office of Insurance Regulation can extend it. (Fla. Stat. §252.358)
You still need refills remaining on a valid prescription. If you're out of refills, that's where your prescriber, or a telehealth review, comes in.
Pharmacist emergency supplies
When the Governor declares a state of emergency, pharmacists in the affected area may dispense up to a 30-day supply of medication for a chronic condition, except Schedule II drugs, when interrupting therapy could cause harm. Outside a declared emergency, a pharmacist may give a one-time supply of up to 72 hours when your prescriber can't be reached. (Fla. Stat. §465.0275)
Your medication go-kit
- At least a two-week supply of every daily medicine, more if you can get it
- A printed list of your medicines, doses, allergies and conditions, plus your pharmacy and prescriber phone numbers
- Photos of every pharmacy label on your phone
- A small cooler and ice packs for insulin or GLP-1 pens
- Glucose meter, strips and fast sugar; a spare rescue inhaler
- Battery or car-adapter power for a nebulizer or CPAP if you use one
If you rely on power for medical equipment
Florida's Special Needs Registry lets people who need help during evacuations, including those who depend on electricity for medical equipment, register with their county ahead of time. Know your evacuation zone, and find your county emergency management office.
Insulin and refrigerated medicines when the power goes out
Many insulin products can be kept unrefrigerated, below about 86°F, for a limited number of days that varies by product. Don't freeze insulin and don't use it if it was exposed to extreme heat, or looks cloudy or clumpy when it should be clear. GLP-1 pens have their own label rules. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist before using it.
Evacuated and need a refill?
Big pharmacy chains can usually see your prescriptions at any of their Florida stores. If you have no refills left or your prescriber can't be reached, you can request a $39 telehealth review as long as you are physically in Florida. If you evacuate to another state, we can't treat you there; use a pharmacy or clinician in that state.
Common questions
Can I refill my prescription early before a hurricane in Florida?
Usually yes, once your county is under a hurricane warning or a declared state of emergency. Florida law requires insurers to waive refill-too-soon limits and cover at least a 30-day supply. Call your pharmacy as soon as the warning is issued.
I evacuated to Georgia. Can you refill my medication?
No. We can only treat patients who are physically in Florida during the visit. Ask a pharmacy where you are about an emergency supply, or use a clinician licensed in that state.
Do you deliver medication during storms?
No. We don't dispense or ship medication. If a prescription is appropriate, it's sent to the Florida pharmacy you choose, so pick one that is open.